Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device may include a substrate having a first pixel area, a first electrode on the substrate; a passivation layer between the substrate and the first electrode, a second electrode on the first electrode, and an organic emission layer between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first pixel area may include an emission area and a non-emission area surrounded by the emission area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0094799, filed on Jul. 26, 2016,in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and entitled: “DisplayDevice,” and No. 10-2017-0031945, filed on Mar. 14, 2017, in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, and entitled: “Display Device,” areincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a display device, and moreparticularly, to a display device that may prevent deterioration of anemission characteristic of an organic emission layer.

2. Description of the Related Art

An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes two electrodesand an organic emission layer interposed therebetween. Electronsinjected from one electrode and holes injected from the other electrodeare combined in the organic emission layer to generate excitons. Thegenerated excitons are changed to a ground state from an exited state,releasing energy to emit light.

The OLED display includes a plurality of pixels including an OLED as aself-emissive element, and a plurality of transistors for driving theOLED and at least one capacitor are formed in each pixel. The pluralityof transistors generally include a switching transistor and a drivingtransistor.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forenhancement of understanding of the background of the describedtechnology and therefore it may contain information that does not formthe prior art that is already known in this country to a person ofordinary skill in the art.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment provides a substrate that includes a first pixelarea, a first electrode positioned on the substrate; a passivation layerpositioned between the substrate and the first electrode; a secondelectrode positioned on the first electrode; and an organic emissionlayer positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode,wherein the first pixel area may include an emission area and anon-emission area surrounded by the emission area.

A distance from an edge of the first pixel area to the non-emission areaof the first pixel area may be equal to or less than about 50 μm.

The first electrode and the organic emission layer may be positioned inthe emission area of the first pixel area.

The substrate may include a second pixel area and a third pixel area,each of the second pixel area and the third pixel area may include anemission area and a non-emission area surrounded by the emission area, adistance from an edge of the second pixel area to the non-emission areaof the second pixel area may be equal to or less than about 50 μm, adistance from an edge of the third pixel area to the non-emission areaof the third pixel area may be equal to or less than about 50 μm, andthe first electrode and the organic emission layer may be positioned inthe emission area of the second pixel area and the emission area of thethird pixel area.

The substrate may further include a transmissive area that is adjacentto the first pixel area, the second pixel area, and the third pixelarea.

The first electrode and the organic emission layer may not be positionedin the transmissive area.

The second electrode may be positioned in the first pixel area, thesecond pixel area, the third pixel area, and the transmissive area.

The display device may further include: a buffer layer configured to bepositioned on the substrate; and a thin film transistor positioned onthe buffer layer and to be connected to the first electrode, wherein thesecond electrode may contact the buffer layer in the transmissive area.

The display device may further include a buried pattern positioned inthe non-emission area of the first pixel area.

The display device may further include a pixel defining layer configuredto surround an edge of the first pixel area, wherein the buried patternmay be made of the same material as the pixel defining layer, and may bepositioned at the same layer as the pixel defining layer.

The first electrode may be formed as multiple layers including a layermade of a transparent conductive material and a layer made of areflective metal material.

A ratio of the first non-emission area of the first pixel area to thefirst pixel area may be equal to or greater than about 5% and equal toor less than about 20%.

The non-emission area of the first pixel area may be formed to have atleast one of a quadrangular shape, a circular shape, and a cross shape,in a plan view.

The first pixel may include a plurality of non-emission areas, and adistance between the plurality of non-emission areas adjacent to eachother may be equal to or less than about 50 μm.

The display device may further include a thin film transistor connectedto the first electrode, wherein the thin film transistor may bepositioned in the first pixel area.

The thin film transistor may overlap at least some of the non-emissionarea of the first pixel area.

The passivation layer may include a first portion having a first heightand a second portion having a second height that is higher than thefirst height.

The second portion of the passivation layer may be positioned at an edgeof the first pixel area.

The first electrode may include a step that is formed between the firstportion and the second portion of the passivation layer.

The display device may further include a groove configured to be formedin the passivation layer, wherein the groove may be positioned in thenon-emission area of the first pixel area.

A width of the groove may be narrower than that of the non-emissionarea.

The display device may further include a buried pattern positioned inthe non-emission area of the first pixel area, wherein the buriedpattern may be positioned in the groove.

The display device may further include a pixel defining layer configuredto surround an edge of the first pixel area, wherein the buried patternmay be made of the same material as the pixel defining layer, and may bepositioned at the same layer as the pixel defining layer.

The display device may further include a groove configured to be formedin the passivation layer, wherein the groove may be positioned to beadjacent to an edge of the first pixel area.

The display device may further include a buried pattern positioned inthe groove.

The display device may further include a pixel defining layer integratedwith the buried pattern to surround an edge of the first pixel area,wherein the buried pattern may be made of the same material as the pixeldefining layer.

The substrate may include the second pixel area, the third pixel area,and a transmissive area that is adjacent to the first pixel area, thesecond pixel area, and the third pixel area, and each of the secondpixel area and the third pixel area may include an emission area and anon-emission area surrounded by the emission area.

The first electrode and the organic emission layer may be not positionedin the transmissive area, and the second electrode may be positioned inthe first pixel area, the second pixel area, the third pixel area, andthe transmissive area.

The second pixel area may be positioned between the first pixel area andthe third pixel area, and a first groove may be provided at a first edgeof the transmissive area adjacent to the second pixel area.

A width of the second pixel area may be wider than those of the firstpixel area and the third pixel area.

A second groove may be provided at a second edge facing the first edgeof the transmissive area.

The first pixel area may be a blue pixel area, the second pixel area maybe a green pixel area, and the third pixel area may be a red pixel area.

A width of some of the first pixel area and a width of the second pixelarea may be wider than that of the third pixel area.

The first groove may be provided at the first edge of the transmissivearea adjacent to some of the first pixel area and to the second pixelarea.

A second groove may be provided at the second edge facing the first edgeof the transmissive area.

The first pixel area may be a blue pixel area, the second pixel area maybe a green pixel area, and the third pixel area may be a red pixel area.

The first pixel area, the second pixel area and the third pixel area maybe disposed along a column direction, and the transmissive area may beadjacent to the first pixel area, the second pixel area and the thirdpixel area in a row direction.

A length from an upper edge to a lower edge of the transmissive area maybe shorter than that from an upper edge of the first pixel area to alower edge of the third pixel area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art bydescribing in detail exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a layout view of a first pixel area of a displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first pixel area of adisplay device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a layout view of a second pixel area of a displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a layout view of a third pixel area of a displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a layout view of a first pixel area of a displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a layout view of a second pixel area of a displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a layout view of a third pixel area of a displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a layout view of a first pixel area of a displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a layout view of a second pixel area of a displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a layout view of a third pixel area of a displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied indifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey exemplary implementations to those skilled in the art.

To clearly describe embodiments, portions which do not relate to thedescription are omitted, and like reference numerals designate likeelements throughout the specification.

Further, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawingsare arbitrarily shown for better understanding and ease of description,but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the drawings, thethickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., are exaggerated forclarity. For better understanding and ease of description, the thicknessof some layers and areas is exaggerated.

It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film,region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” another element, itcan be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Further,in the specification, the word “on” or “above” means positioned on orbelow the object portion, and does not necessarily mean positioned onthe upper side of the object portion based on a gravitational direction.

In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word“comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will beunderstood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not theexclusion of any other elements.

The phrase “on a plane” means viewing the object portion from the top,and the phrase “on a cross-section” means viewing a cross-section ofwhich the object portion is vertically cut from the side.

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5. FIG. 1 illustrates alayout view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment,FIG. 2 illustrates a layout view of a first pixel area of a displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 3 illustrates across-sectional view of a first pixel area of a display device accordingto an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates a layout view of a secondpixel area of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment, andFIG. 5 illustrates a layout view of a third pixel area of a displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, a display device according to an exemplaryembodiment includes a pixel area PA for displaying an image and atransmissive area TA through which light is transmitted. The pixel areaPA may include a first pixel area PX1, a second pixel area PX2, and athird pixel area PX3. The first pixel area PX1, the second pixel areaPX2, and the third pixel area PX3 may display different colors. Forexample, the first pixel area PX1 may display a blue color, the secondpixel area PX2 may display a green color, and the third pixel area PX3may display a red color. However, embodiments are not limited thereto,and the first pixel area PX1, the second pixel area PX2, and the thirdpixel area PX3 may respectively display various colors. Further, a pixelarea(s) which may display a different color from those displayed by thefirst pixel area PX1, the second pixel area PX2, and the third pixelarea PX3, may be further included.

The first pixel area PX1, the second pixel area PX2, and the third pixelarea PX3 may be formed to have different sizes. In FIG. 1, the firstpixel area PX1 is illustrated to be the largest and the third pixel areaPX3 is illustrated to be the smallest, but embodiments are not limitedthereto. Sizes of the first pixel area PX1, the second pixel area PX2,and the third pixel area PX3 may be variously changed. Alternatively,the sizes of the first pixel area PX1, the second pixel area PX2, andthe third pixel area PX3 may be substantially identical.

The display device according to the exemplary embodiment may be used asa display device for a vehicle. In the case of the display device forthe vehicle, each pixel area thereof may be generally formed to belarger than that of a display device for a TV, a monitor, or a portablephone.

The first pixel area PX1 includes a first emission area EA1 and a firstnon-emission area NA1. The first pixel area PX1 and the firstnon-emission area NA1 may be substantially quadrangular. The firstnon-emission area NA1 is surrounded by the first emission area EA1. Thefirst emission area EA1 surrounds three of four edges of the firstnon-emission area NA1. For example, in a plan view, the first emissionarea EA1 may be formed to surround a left edge, a top edge, and a rightedge of the first non-emission area NA1, with a bottom edge thereofbeing exposed.

The second pixel area PX2 includes a second emission area EA2 and asecond non-emission area NA2. The second pixel area PX2 and the secondnon-emission area NA2 may be substantially quadrangular. The secondnon-emission area NA2 is surrounded by the second emission area EA2. Thesecond emission area EA2 entirely surrounds four edges of the secondnon-emission area NA2.

The third pixel area PX3 includes a third emission area EA3 and a thirdnon-emission area NA3. The third pixel area PX3 and the thirdnon-emission area NA3 may be substantially quadrangular. The thirdnon-emission area NA3 is surrounded by the third emission area EA3. Thethird emission area EA3 surrounds three of four edges of the thirdnon-emission area NA3. For example, in a plan view, the third emissionarea EA3 may be formed to surround a top edge, a left edge, and a bottomedge of the third non-emission area NA3, with a right edge thereofexposed.

However, the shapes of the first pixel area PX1, the second pixel areaPX2, and the third pixel area PX3, the shapes of the first emission areaEA1, the second emission area EA2, and the third emission area EA3, andthe shapes of the first non-emission area NA1, the second non-emissionarea NA2, and the third non-emission area NA3, may be variously changed.In FIG. 1, a planar shape of each area is illustrated to be polygonal,but embodiments are not limited thereto, and each area may be formed tohave a shape including a curved line such as a circle, an oval, and thelike. Further, in the first pixel area PX1, the second pixel area PX2,and the third pixel area PX3, the respective emission areas EA1, EA2,and EA3 and the respective non-emission areas NA1, NA2, and NA3 may bevariously disposed.

The transmissive area TA is an area through which external lighttransmits. By the transmissive area TA, the display device according tothe exemplary embodiment may be a transparent display device. In FIG. 1,one transmissive area TA is positioned to be adjacent to the first pixelarea PX1, the second pixel area PX2, and the third pixel area PX3.However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and three separatetransmissive areas may be positioned to be respectively adjacent to thefirst pixel area PX1, the second pixel area PX2, and the third pixelarea PX3. Alternatively, one transmissive area may be positioned to beadjacent to three or more pixel areas.

A ratio of the transmissive area TA to the total of the pixel area PA,i.e., a sum of the first to third pixel areas, and the transmissive areaTA is equal to or greater than about 20% and equal to or less than about70%. A ratio of the first non-emission area NA1 to the first pixel areaPX1 is equal to or greater than about 5% and equal to or less than about20%. A ratio of the second non-emission area NA2 to the second pixelarea PX2 is equal to or greater than about 5% and equal to or less thanabout 20%. A ratio of the third non-emission area NA3 to the third pixelarea PX3 is equal to or less than 5% and equal to or less than 20%.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the first pixel area PX1, the first emission areaEA1 surrounds the first non-emission area NA1. In this case, a distancefrom a point a1 at a lower portion of the left edge of the first pixelarea PX1 to the first non-emission area NA1 may be equal to or less thanabout 50 μm. Herein, the distance refers to the shortest distance, andthe same meaning is applied to the following. A distance from a point a2at a middle portion of the left edge of the first pixel area PX1 to thefirst non-emission area NA1 may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. Adistance from a vertex a3 at which the left and top edges of the firstpixel area PX1 meet the first non-emission area NA1 may be equal to orless than about 50 μm. A distance from a point a4 at a middle portion ofthe top edge of the first pixel area PX1 to the first non-emission areaNA1 may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. A distance from a vertexa5 at which the top and right edges of the first pixel area PX1 meet thefirst non-emission area NA1 may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. Adistance from a point a6 at a middle portion of the right edge of thefirst pixel area PX1 to the first non-emission area NA1 may be equal toor less than about 50 μm. A distance from a point a7 at a lower portionof the right edge of the first pixel area PX1 to the first non-emissionarea NA1 may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. That is, thedistances from all edges of the first pixel area PX1 to the firstnon-emission area NA1 may be equal to or less than about 50 μm.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display device according to the exemplaryembodiment includes a substrate 110, a first electrode 191 positioned onthe substrate 110, a passivation layer 180 positioned between thesubstrate 110 and the first electrode 191, a second electrode 270positioned on the first electrode 191, and an organic emission layer 370positioned between the first electrode 191 and the second electrode 270.

The substrate 110 may be an insulating substrate made of glass, quartz,ceramic, plastic, etc., or a metal substrate made of stainless steel andthe like. The substrate 110 may be flexible, stretchable, foldable,bendable, and/or rollable. Since the substrate 110 may be flexible,stretchable, foldable, bendable, and/or rollable, the display device mayalso be flexible, stretchable, foldable, bendable, and/or rollable.

The substrate 110 includes the first pixel area PX1 and the transmissivearea TA. The first pixel area PX1 includes the first emission area EA1and the first non-emission area NA1.

A buffer layer 120 may be positioned on the substrate 110. The bufferlayer 120 may be formed as a single layer of a silicon nitride (SiNx) ora dual layer of a silicon nitride (SiNx) and a silicon oxide (SiOx). Thebuffer layer 120 serves to flatten a surface of the substrate 110 whilepreventing permeation of unwanted materials, e.g., impurities ormoisture. The buffer layer 120 may be omitted if necessary. The entirebuffer layer 120 may be in the first pixel area PX1 and the transmissivearea TA. The buffer layer 120 may entirely cover a top surface of thesubstrate 110.

A semiconductor 135 is on the buffer layer 120. The semiconductor 135may be made of a polycrystalline semiconductor material or an oxidesemiconductor material. In addition, the semiconductor 135 may include achannel region 131, in which no impurities are doped, and contact dopingregions 132 and 133 at opposite sides of the channel region 131 in whichimpurities are doped. The contact doping regions 132 and 133 include asource region 132 and a drain region 133. In this case, the dopedimpurities may vary depending on a kind of the thin film transistor.

A gate insulating layer 140 may be on the semiconductor 135. The gateinsulating layer 140 may be made of an inorganic insulating materialincluding a silicon nitride (SiNx) or a silicon oxide (SiOx).

A gate electrode 125 may be on the gate insulating layer 140. The gateelectrode 125 may overlap at least some of the semiconductor 135, e.g.,the channel region 131 thereof, in a light emitting direction, e.g., afirst direction).

An interlayer insulating layer 160 may be on the gate electrode 125 andthe gate insulating layer 140. The interlayer insulating layer 160 maybe made of an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulatingmaterial.

Contact holes 162 and 164 overlapping at least some of the semiconductor135 in the first direction may be formed in the gate insulating layer140 and in the interlayer insulating layer 160. Particularly, thecontact holes 162 and 164 may expose the contact doping regions 132 and133 of the semiconductor 135, respectively.

A source electrode 173 and a drain electrode 175 may be on theinterlayer insulating layer 160. The source electrode 173 and the drainelectrode 175 are respectively connected to the source region 132 andthe drain region 133 of the semiconductor 135 through the contact holes162 and 164.

As such, the semiconductor 135, the gate electrode 125, the sourceelectrode 173, and the drain electrode 175 form one thin filmtransistor. A structure of the thin film transistor is not limited tothe aforementioned example, and may be modified to a variety ofdisclosed structures that can be easily implemented by those skilled inthe art. The organic light emitting diode display may include aswitching transistor and a driving transistor, and the aforementionedthin film transistor may be the driving transistor. Although notillustrated, a switching thin film transistor may be provided.

The passivation layer 180 may be on the thin film transistor and theinterlayer insulating layer 160. The passivation layer 180 serves toremove and flatten steps, thereby increasing luminous efficiency of theOLED to be formed thereon. A contact hole 182 overlapping at least someof the drain electrode 175 in the first direction, i.e., to expose thedrain electrode 175, may be formed in the passivation layer 180. Thepassivation layer 180 may be formed of a polyacrylate resin, an epoxyresin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, a polyimide resin, anunsaturated polyester resin, a polyphenylene resin, a polyphenylenesulfide resin, and benzocyclobutene (BCB).

The first electrode 191 is positioned on the passivation layer 180. Thefirst electrode 191 is positioned in the first emission area EA1 of thefirst pixel area PX1. Most of the first electrode 191 is not positionedin the first non-emission area NA1 of the first pixel area PX1.

The first electrode 191 may be made of a transparent conductive materialsuch as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide(ZnO), indium oxide (In₂O₃), etc., or a reflective metal such as lithium(Li), calcium (Ca), lithium fluoride/calcium (LiF/Ca), lithiumfluoride/aluminum (LiF/Al), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg),gold (Au), etc. The first electrode 191 is electrically connected to thedrain electrode 175 of the thin film transistor via the contact hole 182formed in the passivation layer 180, and may serve as the anode of theOLED.

Although not illustrated, the first electrode 191 may include first andsecond transparent electrodes including a transparent conductivematerial, and a semi-transmissive layer positioned between the first andsecond transparent electrodes to form a microcavity together with thesecond electrode 270. That is, the first electrode 191 may be formed asa multilayer including a layer made of the transparent conductivematerial and a layer made of a reflective metal material.

A pixel defining layer 350 may be on the passivation layer 180 and on afirst edge portion of the first electrode 191. The pixel defining layer350 may surround the edges of the first pixel area PX1. The pixeldefining layer 350 may include a resin, e.g., a polyacrylate resin and apolyimide resin, or a silica-based inorganic material.

A buried pattern 352 may be on the passivation layer 180 and on a secondedge portion, opposite the first edge portion, of the first electrode191. The buried pattern 352 may be in the first non-emission area NA1 ofthe first pixel area PX1. The buried pattern 352 may be made of the samematerial as the pixel defining layer 350, and may be at the same layeras the pixel defining layer 350. Since the buried pattern 352 covers alateral surface of the edge of the first electrode 191, the buriedpattern 352 may prevent the first electrode 191 from being exposed tothe outside and being corroded, thus preventing a dark spot fromoccurring. Even though the first electrode 191 and the organic emissionlayer 370 are positioned at the edge of the first non-emission area NA1,light may be blocked by the buried pattern 352. Thus, a minimal overlapin the light emitting direction, e.g., first direction, may be used, aslong as the lateral edge of the second edge portion of the firstelectrode 191 is covered. For example, an overlapping width of theburied pattern 352 and the first electrode 191 may be equal to orgreater than about 0 μm and may be equal to or less than about 5 μm. Forexample, the buried pattern 352 and the first electrode 191 may overlapeach other by about 3 μm.

The organic emission layer 370 may be on the first electrode 191. Theorganic emission layer 370 may include at least one of an emissionlayer, a hole-injection layer (HIL), a hole-transporting layer (HTL), anelectron-transporting layer (ETL), and an electron-injection layer(EIL). The organic emission layer 370 may be in the first emission areaEA1 of the first pixel area PX1. The organic emission layer 370 may alsobe positioned in the first non-emission area NA1 of the first pixel areaPX1.

The organic emission layer 370 may include one of a red organic emissionlayer for emitting red light, a green organic emission layer foremitting green light, and a blue organic emission layer for emittingblue light. For example, the blue organic emission layer may be in thefirst emission area EA1 of the first pixel area PX1, the green organicemission layer may be in the second emission area EA2 of the secondpixel area PX2, and the red organic emission layer may be in the thirdemission area EA3 of the third pixel area PX3. The red organic emissionlayer, the green organic emission layer, and the blue organic emissionlayer are respectively positioned at different pixels to implement acolor image by a combination thereof.

Alternatively, the organic emission layer 370 may have a structure inwhich the red organic emission layer, the green organic emission layer,and the blue organic emission layer are respectively stacked oncorresponding pixels. In this case, a color image may be implemented byforming a red filter, a green filter, or a blue filter for each pixel.In another example, by forming a white organic emission layer foremitting white light at each pixel and by forming a red filter, a greenfilter, and a blue filter for each pixel, it is possible to implement acolor image. When the color image is implemented by using the whiteorganic emission layer and the color filter, a deposition mask forrespectively depositing the red organic emission layer, the greenorganic emission layer, and the blue organic emission layer on eachcorresponding pixel, that is, on the red pixel, on the green pixel, andthe blue pixel, is not required.

The white organic emission layer described in another example may beformed as a single organic emission layer, and may be formed as aplurality of organic emission layers stacked so that the white light maybe emitted. For example, a structure for emitting white light bycombining at least one yellow organic emission layer with at least oneblue organic emission layer, a structure for emitting white light bycombining at least one cyan organic emission layer with at least one redorganic emission layer, and a structure for emitting white light bycombining at least one magenta organic emission layer with at least onegreen organic emission layer may be included.

The second electrode 270 may be on the organic emission layer 370, thepixel defining layer 350, and the buried pattern 352. The secondelectrode 270 may be on the first pixel area PX1 and the transmissivearea TA, and may be between the first pixel area PX1 and thetransmissive area TA.

The second electrode 270 may be made of a transparent conductivematerial such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zincoxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In₂O₃), etc., or a reflective metal such aslithium (Li), calcium (Ca), lithium fluoride/calcium (LiF/Ca), lithiumfluoride/aluminum (LiF/Al), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg),gold (Au), etc. The second electrode 270 may serve as a cathode of theOLED. The first electrode 191, the organic emission layer 370, and thesecond electrode 270 form the OLED.

The thin film transistor, the gate insulating layer 140, the interlayerinsulating layer 160, the passivation layer 180, the first electrode191, and the organic emission layer 370, which are described above, arein the first pixel area PX1, but not in the transmissive area TA. Thebuffer layer 120 may be directly on the transmissive area TA of thesubstrate 110, and the second electrode 270 may be directly on thebuffer layer 120. Accordingly, the second electrode 270 may contact,e.g., directly contact, the buffer layer 120 in the transmissive areaTA. As such, since other layers excluding the buffer layer 120 and thesecond electrode 270 are not in the transmissive area TA of thesubstrate 110, transmittance of the transmissive area TA may beimproved. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and some layersother than the buffer layer 120 and the second electrode 270 may be inthe transmissive area TA.

The passivation layer 180 is between the substrate 110 and the firstelectrode 191, and the organic emission layer 370 is on the firstelectrode 191. The passivation layer 180 is made of an organic material,and a baking process is performed during a process in which thepassivation layer 180 is formed. In the baking process, gas may begenerated while the organic material is cured. Before the gas isentirely discharged, the first electrode 191 may be formed on thepassivation layer 180 such that the passivation layer 180 is shielded bythe first electrode 191, preventing gas from being discharged. The gasremaining in the passivation layer 180 may move to the edge of the firstelectrode 191 to be discharged, and the organic emission layer 370positioned on the first electrode 191 may be affected by the gas. Sincethe organic emission layer 370 is vulnerable to moisture permeation, anemission characteristic thereof may deteriorate, thus an emission areathereof may be reduced.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first pixel area PX1 includesthe first emission area EA1 and the first non-emission area NA1, and thefirst electrode 191 may not be positioned in the first non-emission areaNA1. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the organicemission layer 370 may be both in the first emission area EA1 andpartially in the first non-emission area NA1. As described above,although the first electrode 191 and the organic emission layer 370 arein the first non-emission area NA1, since the first electrode 191 ispatterned such that a portion of the passivation layer 180 is exposedand light is blocked by the buried pattern 352, the first non-emissionarea NA1 does not emit light. Further, the buried pattern 352 maydirectly contact the exposed portion of the passivation layer 180.

By setting the distance from all of the edges of the first pixel areaPX1 to the first non-emission area NA1 to be equal to or less than about50 μm, the first electrode 191 in the first emission area EA1 may notcontinuously shield the passivation layer 180. In the present exemplaryembodiment, by forming the first non-emission area NA1 in which most offirst electrode 191 is not positioned in the first pixel area PX1, gasremaining in the passivation layer 180 may be sufficiently dischargedthrough the first non-emission area NA1. Accordingly, deterioration ofthe emission characteristic of the organic emission layer 370 may bereduced or prevented.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the second pixel area PX2, the second emissionarea EA2 surrounds the second non-emission area NA2. A distance from avertex b1 at which the left and top edges of the second pixel area PX2meet the second non-emission area NA2 may be equal to or less than about50 μm. A distance from a point b2 at a middle portion of the top edge ofthe second pixel area PX2 to the second non-emission area NA2 may beequal to or less than about 50 μm. A distance from a vertex b3 at whichthe top and right edges of the second pixel area PX2 meet the secondnon-emission area NA2 may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. Adistance from a point b4 at a middle portion of the right edge of thesecond pixel area PX2 to the second non-emission area NA2 may be equalto or less than about 50 μm. A distance from a vertex b5 at which theright and bottom edges of the second pixel area PX2 meet the secondnon-emission area NA2 may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. Adistance from a point b6 at a middle portion of the bottom edge of thesecond pixel area PX2 to the second non-emission area NA2 may be equalto or less than about 50 pin. A distance from a vertex b7 at which thebottom and left edges of the second pixel area PX2 meet the secondnon-emission area NA2 may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. Adistance from point b8 at a middle portion of the left edge of thesecond pixel area PX2 to the second non-emission area NA2 may be equalto or less than about 50 μm. That is, the distances from all edges ofthe second pixel area PX2 to the second non-emission area NA2 may beequal to or less than about 50 μm.

Although not illustrated, similar to the first pixel area PX1, the firstelectrode and the organic emission layer may be positioned in the secondemission area EA2 of the second pixel area PX2. The first electrode ismostly not in the second non-emission area NA2, but may be at the edgesof the second non-emission area NA2. The organic emission layer may bepositioned in the second non-emission area NA2. By setting the distancefrom all of the edges of the second pixel area PX2 to the secondnon-emission area NA2 to be equal to or less than about 50 μm, it ispossible to prevent the first electrode positioned in the secondemission area EA2 from continuously shielding a wide area of thepassivation layer. In the present exemplary embodiment, by forming thesecond non-emission area NA2 in which the first electrode is not mostlypositioned in the second pixel area PX2, gas remaining in thepassivation layer may be sufficiently discharged through the secondnon-emission area NA2. Accordingly, deterioration of the emissioncharacteristic of the organic emission layer may be reduced orprevented.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the third pixel area PX3, the third emission areaEA3 surrounds the third non-emission area NA3. A distance from a pointc1 at the top edge of the third pixel area PX3 to the third non-emissionarea NA3 may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. A distance from apoint c2 at which the top and left edges of the third pixel area PX3meet to the third non-emission area NA3 may be equal to or less thanabout 50 μm. A distance from a point c3 at a middle portion of the leftedge of the third pixel area PX3 to the third non-emission area NA3 maybe equal to or less than about 50 μm. A distance from a point c4 atwhich the left and bottom edges of the third pixel area PX3 meet thethird non-emission area NA3 may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. Adistance from a point c5 at the bottom edge of the third pixel area PX3to the third non-emission area NA3 may be equal to or less than about 50μm. That is, the distances from all edges of the third pixel area PX3 tothe third non-emission area NA3 may be equal to or less than about 50μm.

Although not illustrated, similar to the first pixel area PX1, the firstelectrode and the organic emission layer are positioned in the thirdemission area EA3 of the third pixel area PX3. The first electrode ismostly not in the third non-emission area NA3, but may be at the edgesof the third non-emission area NA3. The organic emission layer may be inthe third non-emission area NA3. By setting the distance from all of theedges of the third pixel area PX3 to the third non-emission area NA3 tobe equal to or less than about 50 μm, the first electrode in the thirdemission area EA3 may not continuously shield a wide area of thepassivation layer 180. In particular, a portion of the passivation layer180 may be exposed by the first electrode 191 to allow gas generatedtherein to be discharged. In the present exemplary embodiment, byforming the third non-emission area NA3 in which the first electrode ismostly not in the third pixel area PX3, gas remaining in the passivationlayer may be sufficiently discharged through the third non-emission areaNA3. Accordingly, deterioration of emission characteristic of theorganic emission layer may be reduced or prevented.

Hereinafter, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment willbe described with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 9.

The display device according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6to FIG. 9 includes many portions that are the same as in the displaydevice according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5,the description thereof will not be repeated. In the present exemplaryembodiment, emission areas and non-emission areas in first to thirdpixel areas are different from those of the previous exemplaryembodiments, and will now be described in detail.

FIG. 6 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a layout view of a first pixelarea of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 8illustrates a layout view of a second pixel area of a display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 9 illustrates a layoutview of a third pixel area of a display device according to an exemplaryembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the display device according to the exemplaryembodiment includes a pixel area PAa and the transmissive area TA. Thepixel area PAa may include a first pixel area PX1 a, a second pixel areaPX2 a, and a third pixel area PX3 a. The first pixel area PX1 a, thesecond pixel area PX2 a, and the third pixel area PX3 a may displaydifferent colors, and may be formed to have different sizes.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first pixel area PX1 a includes a first emissionarea EA1 a and a first non-emission area NA1 a surrounded by the firstemission area EA1 a. Distances from a plurality of points (d1, d2, d3,d4, and d5) positioned at the edges of the first pixel area PX1 a to thefirst non-emission area NA1 a may be equal to or less than about 50 μm.In this case, the distance means the shortest distance, and the samemeaning is applied to the following. The distances from all the edges ofthe first pixel area PX1 a to the first non-emission area NA1 a may beequal to or less than about 50 μm.

As shown in FIG. 8, the second pixel area PX2 a includes a secondemission area EA2 a and a second non-emission area NA2 surrounded by thesecond emission area EA2 a. Distances from a plurality of points (e1,e2, e3, e4, e5, e6, e7, and e8) at the edges of the second pixel areaPX2 a to the second non-emission area NA2 a may be equal to or less thanabout 50 μm. In this case, the distances from all the edges of thesecond pixel area PX2 a to the second non-emission area NA2 may be equalto or less than about 50 μm.

As shown in FIG. 9, the third pixel area PX3 a includes a third emissionarea EA3 a and a third non-emission area NA3 a surrounded by the thirdemission area EA3 a. Distances from a plurality of points (f1, f2, f3,f4, and f5) at the edges of the third pixel area PX3 a to the thirdnon-emission area NA3 a may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. Inthis case, the distances from all the edges of the third pixel area PX3a to the third non-emission area NA3 a may be equal to or less thanabout 50 μm.

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 13.

The display device according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.10 to FIG. 13 includes many portions that are the same as in the displaydevice according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5,so description thereof will not be repeated. In the present exemplaryembodiment, a plurality of non-emission areas are positioned in a singlepixel area, which is different from the previous exemplary embodiment,and will now be described in detail.

FIG. 10 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates a layout view of a first pixelarea of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 12illustrates a layout view of a second pixel area of a display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 13 illustrates a layoutview of a third pixel area of a display device according to an exemplaryembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the display device according to the exemplaryembodiment includes a pixel area PAb and the transmissive area TA. Thepixel area PAb may include a first pixel area PX1 b, a second pixel areaPX2 b, and a third pixel area PX3 b. The first pixel area PX1 b, thesecond pixel area PX2 b, and the third pixel area PX3 b may displaydifferent colors, and may be formed to have different sizes.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first pixel area PX1 b includes a firstemission area EA1 b and a plurality of first non-emission areas NA1 bsurrounded by the first emission area EA1 b. Although it is illustratedthat the plurality of first non-emission areas NA1 b respectively have acircular shape, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the firstnon-emission areas NA1 b may be variously modified and may be differentfrom one another.

Distances from a plurality of points (g1, g2, g3, g4, g5, g6, g7, g8,g9, g10, g11, and g12) at the edges of the first pixel area PX1 b to thethird non-emission area NA1 b may be equal to or less than about 50 μm.The distances from all the edges of the first pixel area PX1 b to thefirst non-emission area NA1 b may be equal to or less than about 50 μm.

In addition, a distance between adjacent first non-emission areas NA1 bmay be equal to or less than about 50 μm. For example, the plurality offirst non-emission areas NAb1 may be disposed in a matrix form, and adistance between the first non-emission area NA1 b in a first row and afirst column and the first non-emission area NA1 b in a first row and asecond column may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. In addition, adistance between the first non-emission area NA1 b in the first row andthe first column and the first non-emission area NA1 b in a second rowand the first column may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. Further,a distance between the first non-emission area NA1 b in the first rowand the first column and the first non-emission area NA1 b in the secondrow and the second column may be equal to or less than about 50 μm.

As shown in FIG. 12, the second pixel area PX2 b includes a secondemission area EA2 b and a plurality of second non-emission areas NA2 bsurrounded by the second emission area EA2 b. Distances from a pluralityof points (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6, h7, h8, h9, and h10) positioned atedges of the plurality of second pixel areas PX2 b to the secondnon-emission area NA2 b may be equal to or less than about 50 μm. Thedistances from all the edges of the second pixel area PX2 b to thesecond non-emission area NA2 b may be equal to or less than about 50 μm.In addition, a distance between adjacent second non-emission areas NA2 bmay be equal to or less than about 50 μm.

As shown in FIG. 13, the third pixel area PX3 b includes a thirdemission area EA3 b and a plurality of third non-emission areas NA3 bsurrounded by the third emission area EA3 b. Distances from a pluralityof points (i1, i2, i3, i4, and i5) at edges of the plurality of thirdpixel areas PX3 b to the third non-emission area NA3 b may be equal toor less than about 50 μm. Distances from all the edges of the thirdpixel area PX3 b to the third non-emission area NA3 b may be equal to orless than about 50 μm. In addition, a distance between adjacent thirdnon-emission areas NA3 b adjacent to each other may be equal to or lessthan about 50 μm.

Hereinafter, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment willbe described with reference to FIG. 14. The display device according tothe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 14 includes many portions thatare the same as in the display device according to the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, such that a description thereofwill not be repeated. In the present exemplary embodiment, shapes of theemission area and the non-emission area in the first to third pixelareas are different from those of the previous exemplary embodiment, andwill now be described in detail.

FIG. 14 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the display device accordingto the exemplary embodiment includes a pixel area PAc and thetransmissive area TA. The pixel area PAc may include a first pixel areaPX1 c, a second pixel area PX2 c, and a third pixel area PX3 c. Thefirst pixel area PX1 c, the second pixel area PX2 c, and the third pixelarea PX3 c may display different colors, and may be formed to havedifferent sizes.

The first pixel area PX1 includes a first emission area EA1 c and afirst non-emission area NA1 c, which is surrounded by the first emissionarea EA1 c. The first non-emission area NA1 c is formed to have a crossshape in a plan view. The distances from all the edges of the firstpixel area PX1 c to the first non-emission area NA1 c may be equal to orless than about 50 μm.

The second pixel area PX2 c includes a second emission area EA2 c and asecond non-emission area NA2 c, which is surrounded by the secondemission area EA2. It is illustrated that the second non-emission areaNA2 c is formed to have a quadrangular shape in a plan view, but thepresent exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and the secondnon-emission area NA2 c may be formed to have a cross shape in a planview. The distances from all the edges of the second pixel area PX2 c tothe second non-emission area NA2 c may be equal to or less than about 50μm.

The third pixel area PX3 c includes a third emission area EA3 c and thethird non-emission area NA3 c surrounded by the third emission area EA3.It is illustrated that the third non-emission area NA3 c has aquadrangular shape in a plan view, but the present exemplary embodimentis not limited thereto, and the third non-emission area NA3 c may beformed to have, e.g., a cross shape in a plan view. The distances fromall the edges of the third pixel area PX3 c to the third non-emissionarea NA3 c may be equal to or less than about 50 μm.

Hereinafter, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment willbe described with reference to FIG. 15. The display device according tothe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 15 includes many portions thatare the same as in the display device according to the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 14, such that a description thereof will not berepeated. In the present exemplary embodiment, shapes of the emissionarea and the non-emission area in the first pixel area are differentfrom those of the previous exemplary embodiment, and will now bedescribed in detail.

FIG. 15 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the display device accordingto the exemplary embodiment includes a pixel area PAd and thetransmissive area TA. The pixel area PAd includes a first pixel area PX1d having a first emission area EA1 d and a first non-emission area NA1d, and the first non-emission area NA1 is formed to have a cross shapein a plan view. The pixel area Pad also includes the second pixel areaPX2 c and the third pixel area PX3 c of FIG. 14.

In the first emission area EA1 c of the previous exemplary embodiment,the middle portion of the bottom edge thereof is not cut in a plan view,while in the first emission area EA1 d of the present exemplaryembodiment, the middle portion of the bottom edge thereof is cut in aplan view. That is, at the middle portion of the bottom edge of thefirst pixel area PX1 d, the first emission area EA1 d is separated bythe first non-emission area NA1 d. At the left edge, the top edge, andthe right edge of the first pixel area PX1 d, the first emission areaEA1 d is not separated.

Accordingly, in the first pixel area PX1 d, the first electrode 191 maynot be separated at the left edge, the top edge, and the right edge ofthe first pixel area PX1, and may be separated at the middle portion ofthe bottom edge thereof.

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 16. The display device according to theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 16 includes many portions that arethe same as in the display device according to the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 15, such that a description thereof will not be repeated.In the present exemplary embodiment, shapes of the emission area and thenon-emission area in the first pixel area are different from those ofthe previous exemplary embodiment, and will now be described in detail.

FIG. 16 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the display device accordingto the exemplary embodiment includes a pixel area PAe and thetransmissive area TA. The pixel area PAe may include a first pixel areaPX1 e, a second pixel area PX2 e, and a third pixel area PX3 e.

The first pixel area PX1 e includes a first emission area EA1 e and afirst non-emission area NA1 e, and the first non-emission area NA1 isformed to have a cross shape in a plan view. At the left edge, the topedge, and the right edge of the first pixel area PX1 d of the previousexemplary embodiment, the first emission area EA1 d is not separated,while at the left edge, the top edge, and the right edge of the firstpixel area PX1 e of the present exemplary embodiment, the first emissionarea EA1 e is separated. That is, at the middle portions of the left,top, right, and bottom edges of the first pixel area PX1 e, the firstemission area EA1 e is separated by the first non-emission area NA1 e.

Accordingly, in the first pixel area PX1 e, the first electrode 191 maybe separated at the middle portions of the left, top, right, and bottomedges of the first pixel area PX1 e. In this case, the first electrodeis separated by four portions, and the four portions may be connected tothe drain electrode through different contact holes.

In a like manner, a second emission area EA2 e may be separated at thetop and bottom edges of the second pixel area PX2 e. That is, at themiddle portions of the top and bottom edges of the second pixel area PX2e, the second emission area EA2 e is separated by a second non-emissionarea NA2 e.

In addition, a third emission area EA3 e is separated at the top andbottom edges of the third pixel area PX3 e. That is, at the middleportions of the top and bottom edges of the third pixel area PX3 e, thethird emission area EA3 e is separated by a third non-emission area NA3e.

Hereinafter, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment willbe described with reference to FIG. 17. The display device according tothe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 17 includes many portions thatare the same as in the display device according to the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, which will not be described. Inthe present exemplary embodiment, a thin film transistor is positionedin the pixel area, which is different from the previous exemplaryembodiment, and will now be described in detail.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device accordingto an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the display deviceaccording to the exemplary embodiment includes the substrate 110, thefirst electrode 191 on the substrate 110, the passivation layer 180between the substrate 110 and the first electrode 191, the secondelectrode 270 on the first electrode 191, and the organic emission layer370 between the first electrode 191 and the second electrode 270.

The substrate 110 includes the first pixel area PX1 and the transmissivearea TA. The first pixel area PX1 includes the first emission area EA1and the first non-emission area NA1.

In the previous exemplary embodiment, the thin film transistor ispartially positioned within the first pixel area PX1, and is mostlypositioned outside the first pixel area PX1. In the present exemplaryembodiment, the thin film transistor is wholly positioned within thefirst pixel area PX1. That is, all of the semiconductor 135, the gateelectrode 125, the source electrode 173, and the drain electrode 175 arepositioned within the first pixel area PX1. Particularly, some of thethin film transistor may overlap the first non-emission area NA1 of thefirst pixel area PX1. The buried pattern 352 may be in the firstnon-emission area NA1 of the first pixel area PX1 and may overlap thethin film transistor along the first direction.

The passivation layer 180 is on the thin film transistor. A portion ofthe passivation layer 180 positioned on the thin film transistor isformed to be relatively thin compared to other portions thereof. Whenthe passivation layer 180 is thin, the gas may be rapidly discharged inthe baking process. In the present exemplary embodiment, since the thinfilm transistor is positioned within the first pixel area PX1, it ispossible to thinly form a portion of the passivation layer 180 shieldedby the first electrode 191. Accordingly, the gas remaining in thepassivation layer 180 may be reduced, thus influence of the gas on theorganic emission layer 370 may be reduced.

Although the first pixel area PX1 has been described, the presentexemplary embodiment may be similarly applied to the second pixel areaPX2 and the third pixel area PX3. That is, the thin film transistor maybe positioned within the second pixel area PX2 and the third pixel areaPX3.

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 18. The display device according to theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 18 includes many portions that arethe same as in the display device according to the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 17, which will not be described. In the present exemplaryembodiment, a height from the substrate to the top surface of thepassivation layer is not constant, which is different from the previousexemplary embodiment, and will now be described in detail.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device accordingto an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the display deviceaccording to the exemplary embodiment includes the substrate 110, afirst electrode 191′ on the substrate 110, the passivation layer 180between the substrate 110 and the first electrode 191′, a secondelectrode 270′ on the first electrode 191′, and an organic emissionlayer 370′ between the first electrode 191′ and the second electrode270′.

The substrate 110 includes the first pixel area PX1 and the transmissivearea TA. The first pixel area PX1 includes the first emission area EA1and the first non-emission area NA1.

In the previous exemplary embodiment, the top surface of the passivationlayer 180 is flat, and the distance from the substrate 110 to the topsurface of the passivation layer 180 is constant. However, in thepresent exemplary embodiment, the top surface of the passivation layer180′ is not flat.

The passivation layer 180′ includes a first portion 180 a having a firstheight d1 and a second portion 180 b having a second height d2. In thiscase, each of the first height d1 and the second height d2 means adistance from the substrate 110 to the top surface of the passivationlayer 180′. The second height d2 is higher than the first height d1,i.e., a top surface thereof is further from the substrate 110. The firstportion 180 a is at the central portion of the first pixel area PX1, andthe second portion 180 b is at edges of the first pixel area PX1.

The first electrode 191′ is on the passivation layer 180, and the firstelectrode 191 includes a step 191 a between the first portion 180 a andthe second portion 180 b of the passivation layer 180. In particular,the step 191 may extend along a side wall of the second portion 180 bthat protrudes from the first portion 180 a in the first direction andmay extend along a portion of the top surface of the second portion 180b along the second direction.

By thinly forming the passivation layer 180 at the central portion ofthe first pixel area PX1, time for discharging the gas during the bakingprocess of the passivation layer 180′ may be reduced. Accordingly, theorganic emission layer 370 is less affected by the gas, therebyimproving the emission characteristic.

By thickly forming the passivation layer 180′ at the edge of the firstpixel area PX1 so that the step 191 a is provided at the first electrode191′, the distance the gas generated in the passivation layer 180 has totraverse to reach the organic emission layer 370 may be increased. Thatis, by allowing the step 191 a of the first electrode 191′ to serve as abarrier, gas may be prevented from reaching the organic emission layer370′. Accordingly, the organic emission layer 370′ is less affected bythe gas, thereby improving the emission characteristic.

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 19.

The display device according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.19 includes many portions that are the same as in the display deviceaccording to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, whichwill not be described. In the present exemplary embodiment, a groove isformed in the passivation layer, which is different from the previousexemplary embodiment, and will now be described in detail.

FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device accordingto an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the display deviceaccording to the exemplary embodiment includes the substrate 110, thefirst electrode 191 on the substrate 110, the passivation layer 180between the substrate 110 and the first electrode 191, the secondelectrode 270 on the first electrode 191, and the organic emission layer370 positioned between the first electrode 191 and the second electrode270.

The substrate 110 includes the first pixel area PX1 and the transmissivearea TA. The first pixel area PX1 includes the first emission area EA1and the first non-emission area NA1.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a groove 184 is formed in thepassivation layer 180. The gas generated during the baking process ofthe passivation layer 180 may be better discharged through a portion atwhich the groove 184 is formed, as the groove 185 increases a surfaceare through which the gas may be discharged.

The groove 184 may be in the first non-emission area NA1 of the firstpixel area PX1. A buried pattern 352′ may be in the first non-emissionarea NA1, and may also be positioned in the groove 184, e.g., may fillthe groove 184.

A width Wg of the groove 184 may be narrower than that of the firstnon-emission area NA1. The first electrode 191 is not mostly in thefirst non-emission area NA1, i.e., only partially extends therein alongthe second direction, and is primarily in the first emission area EA1.Particularly, the width Wg of the groove 184 may be narrower than thatof the portion at which the first electrode 191 does not exist in thefirst non-emission area NA1. In the first non-emission area NA1, whenthe width Wg of the groove 184 is wider than that of the portion Wn inwhich the first electrode 191 does not extend, the first electrode 191may be formed in the groove 184. Since various electrode layersincluding the thin film transistor are provided below the passivationlayer 180, when the first electrode 191 is formed in the groove 184, itmay be short-circuited with the various electrode layers. In the presentexemplary embodiment, by forming the width Wg of the groove 184 to benarrower than that of the portion Wn at which the first electrode 191does not extend in the first non-emission area NA1, this problem may beaddressed.

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 20. The display device according to theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 20 includes many portions that arethe same as in the display device according to the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 19, which will not be described. In the present exemplaryembodiment, a groove is formed in an edge of the pixel area, which isdifferent from the previous exemplary embodiment, and will now bedescribed in detail.

FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device accordingto an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, another groove 186 isprovided in the passivation layer 180. The groove 186 is positioned tobe adjacent to the edge of the first pixel area PX1, e.g., adjacent thesemiconductor 135. The groove 186 may be positioned below the pixeldefining layer 350. A buried pattern 354 may be provided in the groove186 and may be integrated with the pixel defining layer 350. The buriedpattern 354 and the pixel defining layer 350 may be formed under thesame process, and with the same material.

Similar to the previous exemplary embodiment, the groove 184 may befurther provided in the first non-emission area NA1 of the first pixelarea PX1, and the buried pattern 352′ may be in the groove 184.

Hereinafter, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment willbe described with reference to FIG. 21. The display device according tothe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 21 includes many portions thatare the same as in the display device according to the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, which will not be described. Inthe present exemplary embodiment, a shape of the transmissive area isdifferent from that of the previous exemplary embodiment, and will nowbe described in detail.

FIG. 21 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, the display device accordingto the exemplary embodiment includes the pixel area PA and thetransmissive area TA. The pixel area PA may include the first pixel areaPX1, the second pixel area PX2, and the third pixel area PX3. The firstpixel area PX1, the second pixel area PX2, and the third pixel area PX3may display different colors, and may be formed to have different sizes.For example, the first pixel area PX1 may display a blue color, thesecond pixel area PX2 may display a green color, and the third pixelarea PX3 may display a red color.

In the previous exemplary embodiment, the transmissive area TA is formedto have a rectangular shape in a plan view. In the present exemplaryembodiment, the transmissive area TA is deformed to have a substantiallyrectangular shape in a plan view. In the present exemplary embodiment,the transmissive area TA may be increased, e.g., a width thereof may beincreased, by decreasing a distance between the transmissive area TA andthe pixel area PA. A groove GV may be provided at one edge of thetransmissive area TA, e.g., adjacent the pixel area. As shown herein,the groove GV may be provided at a right edge of the transmissive areaTA adjacent to the second pixel area PX2.

The second pixel area PX2 may be increased to compensate for thedecrease in emission area due to the formation of the secondnon-emission area NA2. In this case, since it is difficult to deform anupper edge thereof adjacent to the first pixel area PX1 or a lower edgethereof adjacent to the third pixel area PX3, the second pixel area PX2may be increased by extending a left edge thereof, e.g., from furthertowards the transmissive area TA than the first pixel area PX1 and thethird pixel area PX3. Accordingly, a width of the second pixel area PX2may be wider than that of the first pixel area PX1 and may be wider thanthat of the third pixel area PX3. In addition, the transmissive area TAmay include the groove GV provided at a portion adjacent to the leftedge of the second pixel area PX2, such that a width of the transmissivearea TA adjacent to the second pixel area PX2 may be narrower than awidth thereof adjacent to the first pixel area PX1 and the third pixelarea PX3.

The first pixel area PX1 may be increased to compensate for the decreasein emission area due to the formation of the first non-emission areaNA1. In this case, since it is difficult to deform a lower edge thereofadjacent to the second pixel area PX2 or a left edge thereof adjacent tothe transmissive area TA, the first pixel area PX1 may be expanded byextending an upper edge thereof further upward, e.g., above an upperedge of the transmissive area TA. In a like manner, the third pixel areaPX3 may be increased to compensate for the decrease in emission area dueto the formation of the third non-emission area NA3. In this case, sinceit is difficult to deform an upper edge thereof adjacent to the secondpixel area PX2 or a left edge thereof adjacent to the transmissive areaTA, the third pixel area PX3 may be increased by extending a lower edgethereof further downward, e.g., below a lower edge of the transmissivearea TA.

Edges of the pixel area PX and the first pixel area PX1 and the thirdpixel area PX3 may overlap various wires without affecting the lightemission. Thus, it is possible to increase the pixel area PA asdescribed above. However, when the transmissive area TA overlaps wires,since it affects transmittance, it is not easy to expand thetransmissive area TA. Accordingly, a length ht1 from the upper edge tothe lower edge of the transmissive area TA may be shorter than a lengthht2 from the upper edge to the lower edge of the pixel area PX.

The shapes of the first non-emission area NA1, the second non-emissionarea NA2, and the third non-emission area NA3 of FIG. 21 are illustratedto be similar to those of the first non-emission area NA1, the secondnon-emission area NA2, and the third non-emission area NA3 of FIG. 1,but the present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. The shapesof the first non-emission area NA1, the second non-emission area NA2,and the third non-emission area NA3 of FIG. 21 may be similar to thoseof the first non-emission area NA1, the second non-emission area NA2,and the third non-emission area NA3 of at least one of FIG. 10, FIG. 14,FIG. 15, and FIG. 16, and otherwise increased as describe above.

In addition, the shapes of the transmissive area TA, the first pixelarea PX1, the second pixel area PX2, and the third pixel area PX3 may bevariously modified.

Hereinafter, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment willbe described with reference to FIG. 22. The display device according tothe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 22 includes many portions thatare the same as in the display device according to the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 21, which will not be described. In the presentexemplary embodiment, a shape of the transmissive area is different fromthat of the previous exemplary embodiment, and will now be described indetail.

FIG. 22 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, the display device accordingto the exemplary embodiment includes the pixel area PA and thetransmissive area TA.

Similar to the previous exemplary embodiment, the transmissive area TAis deformed to have a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view,and a width of the transmissive area TA adjacent to the second pixelarea PX2 may be narrower than a width thereof adjacent to the firstpixel area PX1 and the third pixel area PX3.

In the previous exemplary embodiment, the groove GV (FIG. 21) isprovided at only one edge of the transmissive area TA, while in thepresent exemplary embodiment, a first groove GV1 and a second groove GV2are respectively provided at opposite edges of the transmissive area TA.The first groove GV1 is provided at a right edge of the transmissivearea TA adjacent to the second pixel area PX2, and the second grooveGV2, which is positioned at an opposite side of the first groove GV1, isprovided at a left edge of the transmissive area TA. The first grooveGV1 and the second groove GV2 may be symmetrical.

In the previous exemplary embodiment, the second pixel area PX2 isincreased by extending a left edge thereof, while in the presentexemplary embodiment, the second pixel area PX2 is increased byextending the left edge and a right edge thereof.

Although not illustrated, the display device according to the exemplaryembodiment may include a plurality of transmissive areas and a pluralityof pixel areas. Another pixel area may be positioned at a left side ofthe transmissive area TA shown in FIG. 22, and the second groove GV2 maybe provided at the second pixel area adjacent to a left side of thetransmissive area TA.

Hereinafter, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment willbe described with reference to FIG. 23. The display device according tothe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 23 includes many portions thatare the same as in the display device according to the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 21, which will not be described. In the presentexemplary embodiment, shapes of the transmissive area and the firstpixel area are different from those of the previous exemplaryembodiment, and will now be described in detail.

FIG. 23 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment. Similar to the previous exemplary embodiment, thetransmissive area TA is deformed to have a substantially rectangularshape in a plan view, and a width of the transmissive area TA adjacentto the second pixel area PX2 may be narrower than a width thereofadjacent to the third pixel area PX3.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a width of some of the transmissivearea TA adjacent to the first pixel area PX1 may be narrower than awidth thereof adjacent to the third pixel area PX3, e.g., a groove GVmay extend adjacent an entirety of the second pixel area PX2 and aportion of the first pixel area PX1.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first pixel area PX1 isincreased by extending some of a lower portion of a left edge thereof.Accordingly, the width of the transmissive area TA adjacent to some ofthe lower portion of the first pixel area PX1 and to the second pixelarea PX2 may be narrower than those of other portions.

Hereinafter, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment willbe described with reference to FIG. 24. The display device according tothe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 24 includes many portions thatare the same as in the display device according to the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 23, which will not be described. In the presentexemplary embodiment, a shape of the transmissive area is different fromthose of the previous exemplary embodiment, and will now be described indetail.

FIG. 24 illustrates a layout view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment. Similar to the previous exemplary embodiment, thetransmissive area TA is deformed to have a substantially rectangularshape in a plan view, and a width of the transmissive area TA adjacentto some of the first pixel area PX1 and to the second pixel area PX2 maybe narrower than a width thereof adjacent to the third pixel area PX3.

In the previous exemplary embodiment, the groove GV (FIG. 23) isprovided at only one edge of the transmissive area TA, while in thepresent exemplary embodiment, the first groove GV1 and the second grooveGV2 are respectively provided at opposite edges of the transmissive areaTA. The first groove GV1 is provided at a right edge of the transmissivearea TA adjacent to the first pixel area PX1 and the second pixel areaPX2, and the second groove GV2 is provided at a left edge of thetransmissive area TA adjacent to the first pixel area PX1 and the secondpixel area PX2. The first groove GV1 and the second groove GV2 may besymmetrical.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first pixel area PX1 isincreased by extending a portion of the left and right edges thereof.

By way of summation and review, when a passivation layer made of organicmaterial is between the transistors and the electrodes, gas may begenerated therein while the organic material is being baked. Althoughthe generated gas moves to a top surface of the passivation layer, it isblocked by an electrode on the passivation layer, such that the gas maynot be discharged. The organic emission layer is vulnerable to moisturepermeation and may be affected by the gas generated from the passivationlayer, thereby deteriorating emission characteristics thereof.

In contrast, in accordance with one or more embodiments, by forming thenon-emission area in which most of electrode is not positioned in thefirst pixel area, i.e., the passivation layer is exposed by theelectrode, gas remaining in the passivation layer may be sufficientlydischarged through the non-emission area. Further, by setting thedistance from all of the edges of the pixel area to the non-emissionarea to be equal to or less than about 50 μm, the electrode in theemission area may not continuously shield the passivation layer,allowing the gas to escape therefrom. Accordingly, deterioration of theemission characteristic of the organic emission layer may be reduced orprevented.

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specificterms are employed, they are used and are to be interpreted in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. In someinstances, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art asof the filing of the present application, features, characteristics,and/or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment maybe used singly or in combination with features, characteristics, and/orelements described in connection with other embodiments unless otherwisespecifically indicated. Accordingly, it will be understood by those ofskill in the art that various changes in form and details may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention asset forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device, comprising: a substrate havinga first pixel area; a first electrode on the substrate; a passivationlayer between the substrate and the first electrode; a second electrodeon the first electrode; and an organic emission layer between the firstelectrode and the second electrode, wherein the first pixel areaincludes an emission area and a non-emission area surrounded by theemission area.
 2. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein adistance from an edge of the first pixel area to the non-emission areaof the first pixel area is equal to or less than about 50 μm.
 3. Thedisplay device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first electrode andthe organic emission layer are in the emission area of the first pixelarea.
 4. The display device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the substrateincludes a second pixel area and a third pixel area, each of the secondpixel area and the third pixel area includes an emission area and anon-emission area surrounded by the emission area, a distance from anedge of the second pixel area to the non-emission area of the secondpixel area is equal to or less than about 50 μm, a distance from an edgeof the third pixel area to the non-emission area of the third pixel areais equal to or less than about 50 μm, and the first electrode and theorganic emission layer are in the emission area of the second pixel areaand the emission area of the third pixel area.
 5. The display device asclaimed in claim 4, wherein the substrate further includes atransmissive area adjacent to the first pixel area, the second pixelarea, and the third pixel area.
 6. The display device as claimed inclaim 5, wherein the first electrode and the organic emission layer arenot in the transmissive area.
 7. The display device as claimed in claim6, wherein the second electrode is positioned in the first pixel area,the second pixel area, the third pixel area, and the transmissive area.8. The display device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising: abuffer layer the substrate; and a thin film transistor on the bufferlayer and connected to the first electrode, wherein the second electrodecontacts the buffer layer in the transmissive area.
 9. The displaydevice as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a buried pattern in thenon-emission area of the first pixel area.
 10. The display device asclaimed in claim 9, further comprising a pixel defining layer thatsurrounds an edge of the first pixel area, wherein the buried pattern ismade of the same material as the pixel defining layer, and is positionedat the same layer as the pixel defining layer.
 11. The display device asclaimed in claim 9, wherein the first electrode is formed as multiplelayers including a transparent conductive material layer and areflective metal material layer.
 12. The display device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein a ratio of the non-emission area of the first pixelarea to the first pixel area is equal to or greater than about 5% andequal to or less than about 20%.
 13. The display device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the non-emission area of the first pixel area is formedto have at least one of a quadrangular shape, a circular shape, and across shape, in a plan view.
 14. The display device as claimed in claim1, wherein the first pixel includes a plurality of non-emission areas,and a distance between the plurality of non-emission areas adjacent toeach other is equal to or less than about 50 μm.
 15. The display deviceas claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a thin film transistorconnected to the first electrode, wherein the thin film transistor ispositioned in the first pixel area.
 16. The display device as claimed inclaim 15, wherein the thin film transistor overlaps at least some of thenon-emission area of the first pixel area.
 17. The display device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the passivation layer includes a firstportion having a first height and a second portion having a secondheight that is greater than the first height.
 18. The display device asclaimed in claim 17, wherein the second portion of the passivation layeris at an edge of the first pixel area.
 19. The display device as claimedin claim 18, wherein the first electrode includes a step between thefirst portion and the second portion of the passivation layer.
 20. Thedisplay device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a groove in thepassivation layer in the non-emission area of the first pixel area. 21.The display device as claimed in claim 20, wherein a width of the grooveis narrower than that of the non-emission area.
 22. The display deviceas claimed in claim 20, further comprising a buried pattern in thegroove.
 23. The display device as claimed in claim 22, furthercomprising a pixel defining layer that surrounds an edge of the firstpixel area, wherein the buried pattern is made of the same material asthe pixel defining layer, and is positioned at the same layer as thepixel defining layer.
 24. The display device as claimed in claim 1,further comprising a groove in the passivation layer adjacent to an edgeof the first pixel area.
 25. The display device as claimed in claim 24,further comprising a buried pattern in the groove.
 26. The displaydevice as claimed in claim 25, further comprising a pixel defining layerintegrated with the buried pattern to surround an edge of the firstpixel area, wherein the buried pattern is made of the same material asthe pixel defining layer.
 27. The display device as claimed in claim 1,wherein the substrate includes a second pixel area, a third pixel area,and a transmissive area that is adjacent to the first pixel area, thesecond pixel area, and the third pixel area, and each of the secondpixel area and the third pixel area includes an emission area and anon-emission area surrounded by the emission area.
 28. The displaydevice as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first electrode and theorganic emission layer are not in the transmissive area, and the secondelectrode is in the first pixel area, the second pixel area, the thirdpixel area, and the transmissive area.
 29. The display device as claimedin claim 27, wherein the second pixel area is between the first pixelarea and the third pixel area, and a first groove is at a first edge ofthe transmissive area adjacent to the second pixel area.
 30. The displaydevice as claimed in claim 29, wherein a width of the second pixel areais wider than those of the first pixel area and the third pixel area.31. The display device as claimed in claim 30, wherein a second grooveis provided at a second edge facing the first edge of the transmissivearea.
 32. The display device as claimed in claim 30, wherein the firstpixel area is a blue pixel area, the second pixel area is a green pixelarea, and the third pixel area is a red pixel area.
 33. The displaydevice as claimed in claim 29, wherein a width of a portion of the firstpixel area and a width of the second pixel area is wider than that ofthe third pixel area.
 34. The display device as claimed in claim 33,wherein the first groove is at a first edge of the transmissive areaadjacent to a portion of the first pixel area and to the second pixelarea.
 35. The display device as claimed in claim 34, further comprisinga second groove at a second edge facing the first edge of thetransmissive area.
 36. The display device as claimed in claim 34,wherein the first pixel area is a blue pixel area, the second pixel areais a green pixel area, and the third pixel area is a red pixel area. 37.The display device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first pixel area,the second pixel area and the third pixel area are disposed along acolumn direction, and the transmissive area is adjacent to the firstpixel area, the second pixel area and the third pixel area in a rowdirection.
 38. The display device as claimed in claim 37, wherein alength from an upper edge to a lower edge of the transmissive area isshorter than that from an upper edge of the first pixel area to a loweredge of the third pixel area.